The Sayyida Zainab Shia shrine in southern Damascus has reportedly been left untouched by Syrian rebels, according to Iraqi paramilitary fighters. These fighters stated that they faced no aggression from rebel forces as they withdrew back to Iraq.
The Iraqi Shia paramilitaries indicated that the rebels, who launched a significant offensive on November 27 and captured several cities, did not engage with them while passing by the shrine, a site of great importance for Shia Muslims.
A commander from an Iraqi faction remarked, “It’s unbelievable. They didn’t even stop to confront us.”
He noted that rebel leaders assured them of safety as long as they were unarmed and pledged not to attack holy sites or minority groups.
Throughout Syria’s civil war, Iraqi paramilitary units, supported by Iran, have played a critical role in bolstering Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
However, since the recent rebel offensive, these Iraqi factions have decided to refrain from intervening to support the Assad government.
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Although Iraqi fighters were already present in Syria, their involvement has been limited, and they have occasionally been targeted by Israeli airstrikes.
Assad has not formally requested additional military support from Iraq, despite expressing a desire for assistance during a recent meeting with Iraqi paramilitary leader Falih al-Fayadh.
Efforts at mediation between Assad and opposition representatives have so far been unsuccessful, as Assad refused to make any concessions.
Sunni rebel groups have also expressed their commitment to protecting religious minorities in Syria and ensuring their inclusion in the political future of the country.
